Quantitative estimation of optical properties in bilayer media within the subdiffusive regime using tilted fiber-optic probe diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, part 2: probe design, realization, and experimental validation.

Abstract

Significance: Tissues like skin have a layered structure where each layer's optical properties vary significantly. However, traditional diffuse reflectance spectroscopy assumes a homogeneous medium, often leading to estimations that reflects the properties of neither layer. There's a clear need for probes that can precisely measure the optical properties of layered tissues.

Aim: This paper aims to design a diffuse reflectance probe capable of accurately estimating the optical properties of bilayer tissues in the subdiffusive regime.

Approach: Using Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluated key geometric factors-fiber placement, tilt angle, diameter, and numerical aperture-on optical property estimation, following the methodology in Part I. A robust design is proposed that balances accurate intrinsic optical property (IOP) calculations with practical experimental constraints.

Results: The designed probe, featuring eight illumination and eight detection fibers with varying spacings and tilt angles. The estimation error of the IOP calculation for bilayer phantoms is less than 20% for top layers with thicknesses between 0.2 and 1.0 mm.

Conclusion: Building on the approach from Part I and using a precise calibration, the probe effectively quantified and distinguished the IOPs of bilayer samples, particularly those relevant to early skin pathology detection and characterization.